Several months ago Tom and I were getting excited about the idea of visiting Tibet this summer. Tom has always wanted to go, and with my lack of traveling anywhere sounded exciting. One weekend after we had talked about if for a while I went to the local library and checked out anything they had on Tibet and China. One of the books was “Seven Years in Tibet.” I just finished it last week. I really enjoyed it. You can imagine my attentiveness over the latest events in Tibet. I have come to love the Tibetan people and their culture through this book. I have felt utter dismay at the fact that such precious cultures are fading away because of the spread of more dominate cultures. I hope only the best for Tibet in it’s dealings with China. The book rises many questions, but the overwhelming discovery of the author is that though Tibet may be viewed as “backward” to societies such as our own, their cultures and traditions are very inspiring and fulfilling to them, and they are a very happy people. He says at one point,

    “I listened to the news (foreign news) the first thing every day and often found myself shaking my head and wondering at the things that men seemed to think important. Here it is the yak’s pace that dictates the tempo of life, and so it has been for thousands of years. Would Tibet be happier for being transformed? A fine motor road to India would doubtless raise the people’s standard of life very greatly, but by accelerating the temp of existence it might rob the people of their peace and leisure.”

    I think the question of pace of life is one that must continually be kept in balance. I love, even crave efficiency, I hate wasting time. However, the debate comes in the definition of “wasting.” Is it really wasteful to spend an entire Saturday learning how to use Photoshop, or reading a book? I am starting to think not, though four years ago I would have said otherwise. Is it wasting time to spend all day conversing with friends- building relationships? What is this life really about?

    Another quote I really liked was this one:

    “Christianity and Buddhism have much in common. They are both founded on the belief in happiness in another world, and both preach humility in this life. But there is a difference as things are today. In Tibet one is not hunted from morning till night by the calls of “civilization.” Here on has time to occupy oneself with religion and to call one’s soul one’s own. Here it is religion that occupies most of the life of the individual, as it did in the West during the Middle Ages.”

    What is the role of religion, or even spirituality in our lives as Christians? I believe we should be, as Harrer says the Buddhist are, making Christianity our way of life. However, it is so easy to take up that hat only on Sundays, or maybe during the evenings when we finally settle down for scriptures and prayer. I was listening to a talk by Sheri Dew last week in which she was making commentary on the statement by an apostle that the true mark of a follower of Christ is how they treat others. It struck her, and it struck me. Tibetans are known for their kindness to everyone. They will equip perfect strangers with yaks and food for travel, welcome them into their own homes for shelter, and then throw parties for them when they leave. They are a truly charitable people. Is not this the mark of followers of Christ? I loved this book because it helped me to see the beauty of another world religion. Prior to reading this book I knew very little about Buddhism. I still know little, but the little that I do know has helped me see it in a very positive light. I think the Lord has many ways of raising His children towards Him. I commend any religion that inspires its members to live more charitable lives.

    With that said, I can not end this post without making at least a small comment about General Conference this weekend. With the ordaining of a new prophet, I felt a very powerful witness that President Thomas S Monson is indeed a living prophet. I know that he has been passed the mantel of the mouthpiece of God. I felt so grateful to know that the church structure that Christ established while he was on the earth: one of prophets, apostles, and traveling seventies, still exists today. I was inspired by the talks about the powerful of motherhood, the importance of the family, the power of the atonement, the influence of the priesthood, establishing righteous traditions, and focusing more on Christ. I love the leaders of our church. I love my Savior, and I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father for his watchful guidance. The church is true!